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An integrated program of course in Universal Ethics (the Noahide laws)
The following four part course is geared to provide students with a holistic understanding of the Noahide Laws and the universal outlook which they promote. Courses 1&2 and 3&4 represent distinct sequences, though any course can be taken independently. As described below, the Course 1 course(s) will aim to provide the student with the philosophical and theological background necessary to approach and fully understand the Noahide Laws, while the Course 2 course(s) will deal with the practical 'hands-on' applications of Noahide ethics in society.
Each component is based on an original text and elucidated by a weekly lecture and tutorial via "virtual classroom" for internet delivery. The broad range of inCourseational students who have demonstrated interest in this series of courses promises stimulating and insightful discussion and the comprehensive and sequenced course structure will provide a format for focussed learning.
Course 1: April 24, 2009 - May 22, 2009
· 1. The theory of universal ethics (the world view of the Noahide laws)
The theory or world-view of universal ethics has been assembled by the Institute in a work entitled 'Perspectives on the Noahide laws - Universal ethics' which forms the basic text for this course. In it, the world-view of Noahide ethics is explored in its many dimensions and facets, including;
In terms of the concept of the person, including conscience or soul.
The notion of reason and rationality which they embody.
The psychological - the personal and interpersonal - dimensions of human life.
How the Noahide laws functionally relate to the order of society.
Their relationship to the State and international relations.
Course 2: Please contact the Institute for dates
· 2. The practice of universal ethics (the detail of Noahide law)
This course will survey the detail of Noahide law as this covers;
The methodological foundations of Noahide law.
The requirements of the process of justice.
Civil law.
The law of murder and homicide (with related issues of abortion, euthanasia, warfare and self-defence).
Noahide law and the natural world.
Divine service and Noahide law.
The concept of blasphemy in Noahide law.
A text will be supplied.
Please contact the Institute for application forms. Closing date for applications is 25 January 2009
Course 3: Dates to be advised
· 3. The theological and philosophical foundations of universal ethics
This course takes as its basic text two monographs published by the Institute, entitled 'Jewish Thought in Context.' and Maimonides Principles. It is structured in two parts:
First, it examines the relationship of the philosophy and theology underlying the Noahide laws to key Courses and concerns of the Western philosophical tradition.
The second part of the course is concerned with the classical theological principles relating to the existence and knowledge of G-d, Divine law or revelation, and notions of Providence and Redemption.
Course 4: Dates to be advised
· 4. Universal Ethics and the Arts, Sciences and Professions
This course begins (A) with a theoretical component exploring how in general universal ethics impact on the study and practice of the arts, sciences and professions. It is followed (B) by a practical component applying the Noahide laws to a choice of elective studies:
Psychology in Helping Sciences or in general counselling
Aesthetics in the practice and teaching of art, music and literature
Education seeking to integrate knowledge and Noahide principles
Social policy - issues in the legal and business world
Materials will be supplied.
Various payment schemes are available. Contact the institute for details.
IJC withholds the right to cancel courses and refund participants at their discretion.
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